23 January 2012
From Our Director

Rate Cut Helpful but More Needed
Housing finance for new homes improved in South Australia in November 2011, although the volume of activity remains low. While we saw the total number of loans to owner occupiers excluding refinancing slip modestly in November, the number of loans for construction and purchase of new homes rebounded from the terrible result South Australia posted in October.

The number of loans for construction was 5.0% higher in November 2011 compared to the same month last year, while loans for the purchase of a new dwelling were up by 2.8%. Lending activity for established dwellings was relatively unchanged. A positive result for the renovations sector, saw finance for alterations and additions grow 2.9% to reach the highest monthly level since June 2011.

With the RBA easing off the rhetoric about the need for rate hikes in the lead up to their first interest rate cut in November last year, first home buyers seem to have drifted back into the market, albeit cautiously. The number of loans to first home buyers was up 12.5% in the 3 months to November 2011 while the average size of a first home buyer loan eased slightly.


Robert Harding
Robert Harding
Executive Director

Latest News

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HIA BlueScope Solutions in Steel Award
Do your projects use steel in sustainable or innovative ways?

HIA and BlueScope are searching for Solutions in Steel - residential projects that showcase outstanding quality, contemporary design and practical application of steel in their construction. This Award will be presented as part of the 2012 Australian Housing Awards.

Entry to the Award is complimentary and entries close at 4.00pm on Friday 17 February 2012. Nominate your projects now ! Click here


ABS Trend Labour Force Survey
Released this week for South Australia shows a weakening job market. Click here

Changes to Defects Warranty Laws for Goods and Services from 1 January 2012
For further information Click here to read the Member Alert.

Wet Weather - Your Contract
Make sure you don't miss out on the opportunity to claim any wet weather days. Click here to read the Information Sheet.

Fair Work Information Statements
Employers must give every new employee a Fair Work Information Statement before, or as soon as possible after, the employee starts employment. Failing to provide the Statement is a contravention of the National Employment Standards and could result in penalties of up to $33,000. Click here

Training Courses
Member Services


ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF ROOF FRAMING/TRUSSES

As from 1st July 2012, the South Australian Government has regulated the "mandatory" notification of local authorities and the signing of a Supervisors Roofing Checklist by a registered Building Works Supervisor. The supervisor is required to have successfully completed training, such as this 6 hour course, to gain the necessary registration. HIA is offering this course on the following dates-:

- Tuesday 31st January & Thursday 2nd February (5.30pm to 8.30pm)

- Saturday 4th February (9.00am to 3.00pm)

- Wednesday 8th February (1.00pm to 7.00pm)

- Monday 13th February (1.00pm to 7.00pm)

Dont' miss out - CITB funding is capped.
Course cost: Members $290
CITB funded $180
Click here for more information.

For venue locations, please contact the HIA Training department on 1300 650 620 or visit out website www.hia.com.au

Course dates for the above training in regional areas are:

- Renmark - 21 February
- Mt Gambier - 28 February
- Nuriootpa - 26 March
- Jamestown - 27 March
Click here for more information.

Book early to secure your seat!

FUNDED CERTIFICATE IV -
Building; Site Management: Estimating
Limited place available !

The Certificate IV is recognised by the Office of Consumer & Business Services as a qualification which currently satisfies the training requirement for a Building Work Contractors Licence and or Building Work Supervisors Registration.

This program is a joint initiative of the Governments of the Commonwealth and South Australia.

For your enrolment pack email sa_training@hia.com.au
or call 1300 650 620 for more information.
Enrolment Information



HIA Apprentices

HIA Safety Services

REMEMBER: You do have obligations under the current OH&S Act & Regulations.
Click here


HIA Publications

2012 HIA DIARIES ARE STILL AVAILABLE!!!
Get in quick as stocks are limited. Features include HIA essential information, school terms, Public Holidays, Local Councils, Government Departments and much more. Every HIA Member needs an HIA Member Diary for their busy schedule. Call 1300 650 620 to purchase your diary or click here to purchase on-line. Click here


HIA Kitchens & Bathrooms

HIA Business Partner Network


Industry Updates

The Complete Home Owner's Manual
Are you aware of the HIA Complete Home Owner's Manual & Handover checklist developed by the HIA for new home and renovation builders to present to clients at the handover of projects? The manual is designed to educate owners on their duty of care and maintenance requirements beyond the responsibilities of the builder. Click here for more information.

Corrosion Protection for Sheet Metal Roofing (NAT)
When designing and specifying metal roofing it is important to consider measures to avoid corrosion of the sheet metal. Click here for more information.

Record Keeping Requirements for Employers
Whether employees are casual, full-time, or part-time, Employers must ensure they keep adequate employment records. Record keeping requirements are set out within the Fair Work Act 2009. Click here to read the Information Sheet which provides a summary of such record keeping requirements. For any questions please call HIA Workplace Services on 1300 650 620.

Do You Want to Reach the Decision Makers?
Opportunities exist to advertise in this eNewsletter. If you would like to find out more , contact Katrina Edwards on 3846 1298, or email k.edwards@hia.com.au
 
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2011 Partnership prices until the end of January........
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2012
HIA-WALKER CORPORATION INDUSTRY LUNCHEON

Friday 24 February
Westpac Centre
Adelaide Football Club
Guest Speaker:
MICK MALTHOUSE

Take advantage of the Early Bird Special price. Tickets will sell fast.
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